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KTM 990 Super Duke R Review

05 Nov, 2015 10:26 AM

Overview

KTM 990 Super Duke has a sleek face which features its sharp cowl and headlight. The bike lacks any type of visor and gets the true essence of a naked bike. KTM has placed the clear lens side indicators on the top of this cowl which suits the aggressive styling of this bike. Its beefy front forks, alloy wheels and compact front fender looks catchy in black finish. The huge disc plate at its front complements the five-spoke designing of its alloy wheels which also comes with racing strips. The front fender gets extended along its forks which make it look macho. The exposed orange colored steel trellis frame and sharp forwarded fuel tank makes it a typical KTM bike. It has larger tank extensions than its younger siblings which looks dynamic with racing decals. KTM has also placed an under cowl in this bike in order to improve its aerodynamics. Super Duke features a long seat which sits on the top of an equally long rear cowl which is also integrated with the muffler of this bike. The LED tail light of this bike can also been seen at the back. The compact rear fender of Super Duke carries its side indicators and number plate. The naked chain and broad tyre at the back can easily grab your attention.

Instrument Console

The bike has a combined analogue-digital instrument console. A circular dial on the left side houses an analogue tachometer while an orange colored LCD features digital speedometer, odometer, 2-trip-meter and fuel gauge. You will also notice other essential LED indicators in this console.

Engine and Gearbox

The 990 Super Duke uses a 2-cylinder, 4-stroke 999cc engine. This DOHC, liquid cooled engine generates a maximum power output of 121 bhp at 9000 rpm. This 8 valves engine is capable of producing a torque amount of 100 Nm which is accessible at 7000 rpm. This V-twin engine is mated with a six-speed manual gearbox with one gear down and five gears up-shift pattern.

Acceleration and Performance

This bike is certainly the most powerful Duke variant. Its torque and power to weight ratio makes it better than many naked street bikes. This highly refined DOHC engine gathers its all power as early as 9000rpm and its torque also arrives at 7000rpm which gives it an instant throttle response. Despite having taller gear ratios, the bike feels lightning fast thanks to its heavy amount of torque. The bike never suffocates for power and reaches 0-100km/hr in less than 4 seconds. The engine sound prompts you to rev it hard and you will be pleased after doing so. The linear power delivery makes this bike really enjoyable. It can reach the top speed of 240km/hr without showing any kind of stress and vibration. The off road performance of this bike is also quite impressive. The early torque building helps this bike to get momentum instantly. It can even accelerate at slow speeds in big gears. It’s strong low and mid-range is the biggest characteristic of this engine. The bike feels best when driven between 3000rpm-8000rpm.

Mileage

The light weight and tall gear ratios helps this bike to return a fuel economy of around 15-18km/hr.

Comfort While Driving

This is one of the biggest USPs of this bike. It feels extremely comfortable while driving thanks to its well-positioned parts. The long seat of this bike not only gives you proper space but also provides optimum comfort. The foot-pegs are placed just below the seat which is easy to grab and offers you sporty riding posture. You can also frequently use your legs while you take this bike off road. The knees easily grab its well-spaced fuel tank which is meant to offer you strong knee grip. The short handle bar easily fits in your palm and offers you firm grip.

Storage Space and Safety Features

There is hardly any storage space in this bike. Its bright headlight though ensures you safety while you drive at night.

Suspension and Brakes

Super Duke is equipped with WP adjustable telescopic forks of 48mm at its front and fully adjustable mono shock at the back with a wheel travel of 160mm. The bike features dual front disc brakes of 320mm and single rear disc brake of 240mm. It also has radial mounted 4-piston brake callipers at its front and single piston calliper at the back.

Ride and Handling

The bike is a perfect blend of on and off road performance. Its extended wheelbase of 1450mm brings stability to this bike at high speeds while its high ground clearance of 150mm improves its turning abilities and enables it to cross all the obstructions. Super Duke is a light handler which is quite responsive and nimble on every terrain. Its steering damper takes the bumps easily and gives you stress free rides. The water wading ability of this bike shows its strong side in deep water. The immensely strong suspension system of this bike holds it strongly around corners and digests every bump easily. The effective braking system stops this light bike whenever required. The broad tyres always stick firmly to the road on every terrain and improve the ride and handling of this machine.

Tyre Size, Shades and Variants

KTM 990 Super Duke has R17 sizes of tyres. KTM may launch a single variant of this bike in one color.

Verdict

Undoubtedly, it’s a brilliant naked bike which is a speed enthusiast and offers high quality of ride and handling. It offers everything what you expect from a naked bike. Moreover, its unmatchable off road performance makes it superior than other rivals.